Tuesday, May 14, 2019 – Armenia Tree Project (ATP) proudly brought its tree-planting mission to Boston’s Dorchester Park on Tuesday, where seven contributed trees have now begun to take root. Three cherry trees and four white oak trees will prosper in the park, which was designed by famed American landscape architect Frederick Law Olmstead.

The Boston’s Parks and Recreation Department, ATP, and Dorchester Park Association were represented at today’s tree planting, which featured spoken remarks, shiny shovels, and the watering of a new cherry tree. The event reflects ATP’s commitment to tree populations worldwide, and Greater Boston’s Armenian population, one of the world’s largest.

“Today’s planting helps Armenia Tree Project offer its appreciation to the people of Greater Boston, and to show our gratitude, we are doing what we do best, planting trees, right here in Dorchester,” said Carolyn Mugar, founder of Armenia Tree Project. “We are here because we want to thank Boston for being there for Armenians in their times of need – first, as a refuge for those fleeing genocidal mayhem of the early 1900s – and, since then, for being home to generations of Armenian-Americans. Twenty-five years ago, not long after our devastating earthquake and our newly established freedom from the Soviet Union, folks all around Boston helped us launch a new vision, the Armenia Tree Project. We are here today to show our gratitude. Thank you.”

In addition to the trees, a friend of Armenia Tree Project contributed $2,000 to support the ongoing welfare of the park. In planting and restoring more than 5.7 million trees since 1994, Armenia Tree Project has fostered economic and social development through creating jobs and improving the tree population.
“We are thrilled to partner with Armenia Tree Project to plant additional trees and keep the park beautiful,” said Frank Baker, Boston City Councilor. I hope to keep this partnership going with Armenia Tree Project, not only in Lower Mills but throughout Dorchester. Their contribution helps us to keep Frederick Law Olmstead’s vision for Dorchester Park alive.”

Today’s tree planting is one of several events ATP has planned to celebrate its 25th anniversary. In October, ATP will host an inaugural conference in Yerevan for local, regional, and global leaders in forest restoration. Forest Summit: Global Action and Armenia, will take place at American University of Armenia’s Acopian Center for the Environment from October 20-23, 2019.

“The Armenia Tree Project’s mission blends beautifully as an opportunity to teach about today’s need for green solutions to climate change and urban development,” said Lisa Ahern, a board member with Dorchester Park Association. “Dorchester Park Association is excited to be able to work with Armenia Tree Project, Boston Parks and Recreation, and all of our committed elected officials to teach local children, and the community in general, the many benefits of protecting precious green space in an urban setting.”